Throughout January xyHt.com will feature the young geospatial professionals who are making a name for themselves in everything from surveying to geographic information systems. xyHt featured all of them in the January issue. Here we will spotlight one each day.

Name: Rhonda Dodge

Company: Oregon Department of Transportation

Current Position: Interim Lead Remote Sensing Surveyor

Age: 28

Education: BS in Geomatics, Oregon Institute of Technology, MS in Civil Engineering, Purdue University

Biography: Rhonda is a licensed PLS whose experience has ranged from surveying power lines in Hawaii to becoming the Interim Lead Remote Sensing Surveyor for the Oregon Department of Transportation.

In that position she is responsible for a team of seven surveyors and analysts who collect, process, and deliver survey-grade remote sensing data products. She manages the collection, calibration, and processing of statewide mobile lidar datasets and integrates collected data across engineering and environmental disciplines to serve the state of Oregon and lead the country in transportation innovation.

She is the ODOT lead on research projects that are focused on optimization of mobile lidar data collection and storage. Her insights and leadership help her drive these types of innovative projects.

Rhonda takes the time to learn about processes and the people doing them. She’s curious and asks questions to ensure she is understanding what is happening. She is creating a legacy of greatness.